Windows XP pro won't load after "hit any key to load from cd

Hello all,

I've got a problem that's been bothering me and I can't figure it out. I want to reinstall Windows XP using a legal copy of XP pro service pack 2. I've done this before on this machine using all the same parts (hardware and cd) so I have no idea what is different and why it won't work.

I have my BIOS set boot from cd first second and third just to try to force the machine to use it. When I get the option to "hit any key to load from cd" I've tried everything from tapping the space bar a few times to mashing a bunch of keys. Windows just loads from my HDD instead of off the cd like I want it to. I've tried it on 2 different hard drives and the same thing happens. It's not the drive itself or the disk because I can use it to open the actual disk while in windows and explore options.

Anyone have any ideas of what I'm doing or not doing correctly?

Is it a USB keyboard? If so you may need to enable USB support in the BIOS.

Yes it is, I'll try it and keep you updated

Wow, thank you so much Grinch! I just messed with the bios and turned on USB emulation. Worked like a charm. You guys rock.

Thanks again,
Kal

Happens to me all the time, glad you got it sorted.